Anthropology
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Anthropology is the study of humankind in all
places and at all times. It is a holistic discipline that is traditionally
classified as a social science, but embraces the humanities and sciences as
well. Anthropology in the United States is usually divided into four
subfields: Archaeology, Cultural,
Linguistics, and Biological.
Anthropology majors may find careers in lab work, archaeology, museums,
research, government, business, education, media, etc.

OC students wishing to major in anthropology
will find a variety of courses to choose from and to prepare them for
transfer to a university. Whether students want to specialize in a particular
subfield of anthropology or are interested in anthropology in general, they
can tailor their anthropology classes at OC to fit their educational goals.

To minor in anthropology, OC students can
combine anthropology with another field of study. Anthropology, because of
its holistic approach and emphasis on understanding cultural meaning and
context, fits well with many disciplines such as health care, law,
government, social work, business, banking, advertising/media, engineering,
biology, environmental studies, psychology, art, education, etc.

Other majors and disciplines may require or
encourage students to take anthropology courses. For example, nursing, dental
hygiene, lab technician, and education majors are typically required to take
cultural anthropology as a prerequisite for their programs. Education majors
will also find linguistic anthropology beneficial. Students majoring in
biology or other sciences frequently take physical anthropology to supplement
their understanding of the natural world. And geology majors often find
archaeology complementary to their major.

OC has
an anthropology classroom that is used for both lectures and labs. It is
located on the southwest corner of the Art building, Art 123. The
anthropology program also owns a variety of materials
for hands on experience in anthropology. These materials include a number of
fossil replicas and tool kits.

Subfields in
Anthropology

Archaeology is the
study and explanation of past cultures. Archaeology uses field work and
laboratory techniques to study the material remains of cultures. Archaeologists
usually study early and historic cultures. However, many archaeological
techniques may be used in studying contemporary issues such as waste
management. Growing areas within archaeology include cultural resource
management and contract archaeology firms. Archaeology is also often
associated with museum programs.

Cultural Anthropology
is the study of contemporary cultures. This subfield is sometimes called
socio-cultural anthropology or ethnology. This subfield emphasizes
cross-cultural comparison, examining and comparing political structures,
religion, kinship, marriage systems, gender, economic systems, etc. Cultural
anthropologists look for both common and unique features found among
different cultures.

Linguistic Anthropology
is the study of the interrelationships between culture and language.
Linguistic anthropologists are interested in all languages, but typically
focus on unwritten languages, the diversity of languages, and non-verbal
communication. In addition to studying the extent that language shapes
culture, linguistic anthropologists also seek to examine general trends in
the evolution of language, when did language begin, is language a uniquely
human characteristic, and many other topics.

Biological Anthropology,
also called physical anthropology, is the study of humans as biological
organisms within the framework of culture. Biological anthropology exams the
relationship between biology and culture. Focal areas include the study of
human evolution, the fossil record, the relationship of humans to other
primates, human variation, health, and forensics.